William H. Calfee papers, 1937-1982

Overview

Collection Information

Size: 650 items.

Summary: Correspondence, undated and 1966-1982, mostly letters from friends, including Jack Tworkov, Karel Yasko, and others; photographs of Calfee's studio, of his work, of his designs for a Harrisonburg, Virginia WPA mural, and of paintings by Mary Orwen; notebooks, poetry and essays on numerous subjects, 1954-1981, some with illustrations; an illustrated travel diary, 1977, covering a trip to Italy, and other accounts of travels to France, Greece and Turkey; art works, 1937-1955, including many sketches for the WPA mural; one blueprint for the WPA mural; exhibition announcements, 1962-1965; and clippings, 1940-1981. Also included is a complete set of the periodical, RIGHT ANGLE, published by the American University, 1947-1949; and miscellaneous printed material.

Biographical/Historical Note

Painter, sculptor; Washington, D.C. area. Calfee worked on WPA mural projects for post offices in the 1930s. He was chair of the art dept. at American University, 1945-1954.

Provenance

Donated 1977-1982 by William Calfee.

How to Use This Collection

Restrictions on Access

Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center. Contact Reference Services for more information.

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